Overview
Who We Are
The New York State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (“The Commission”) was established on July 8, 2022 by the Ethics Commission Reform Act of 2022.
The Commission was created to restore public trust in government by ensuring compliance with the State’s ethics and lobbying laws and regulations. It has jurisdiction over more than 300,000 officers and employees at State agencies and departments, including commissions, boards, State public benefit corporations, public authorities, SUNY, CUNY, and the statutory closely-affiliation corporations; the four statewide elected officials; members of the Legislature and candidates for those offices; employees of the Legislature; certain political party chairpersons; and registered lobbyists and their clients.
The Commission provides information, education, and advice regarding ethics and lobbying laws and promotes compliance through audits, investigations, and enforcement proceedings. It also issues formal and informal advisory opinions and promulgates regulations on the applicable laws and the effect on those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction.
COELIG also promotes transparency by making required disclosures by those under its jurisdiction available to the public. These disclosures include, but are not limited to, annual financial disclosure statements filed by thousands of individuals and activity and expense reports filed by lobbyists and their clients.
The Commission is steadfast in its vision of a New York where all citizens have confidence that their government is acting in the public's best interest and where all public officials exemplify the highest ethical standards. The COELIG Code of Conduct is the most expansive ever endorsed by any New York State ethics commission and it exemplifies the Commission's mission, vision, and values. Its purpose is to assist the Commission members to conform to the highest possible standards of public service to the people of New York and guide them in the performance of their official duties.
Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission
To exemplify the highest ethical standards and restore public trust in government through education, compliance, and vigorous enforcement of the state’s ethics and lobbying laws.
Vision
For all New Yorkers to trust that state government is acting in the public’s best interest and for public officials to exemplify the highest ethical standards.
Values
Integrity
Trustworthiness
Transparency
Independence
Responsibility
Confidentiality
Core Functions
Public Disclosure
The Commission promotes transparency by making required disclosures by those under its jurisdiction available to the public. These disclosures include, but are not limited to, annual financial disclosure statements filed by thousands of individuals and activity and expense reports filed by lobbyists and their clients.
Advice and Guidance
The Commission provides advice and guidance to anyone within its jurisdiction. The Commission may issue formal advisory opinions or individuals may use the attorney-of-the-day program to get free, confidential advice, on how the ethics laws may impact them.
Enforcement
The Commission investigates potential violations of the State's ethics laws and the Lobbying Act. The Commission may impose civil penalties for violations by state officers and employees and lobbyists and clients. Commission findings with respect to the Legislative Branch are required to be referred to the Legislative Ethics Commission for enforcement.